Taco Seasoning Recipe

There are a handful of things I’ll never go back to buying pre-made, and taco seasoning is at the top of that list. Once I started making it myself—in bulk—it was game over for the store packets. This blend lasts us well over a year, never clumps, and somehow manages to make everything from ground meat to roasted veggies taste better. It’s simple, flexible, and one of those small kitchen habits that makes weeknight cooking feel easier and more intentional.

Making taco seasoning in bulk is one of those small kitchen shifts that pays off over and over again. Instead of tearing open packets every time taco night rolls around, you’ve got a jar ready to go—no measuring, no scrambling, no last-minute store runs.

Bulk seasoning also means better flavor control. You know exactly what’s going in it: no fillers, anti-caking agents, or overly salty mystery ingredients. The blend stays consistent every time, so your tacos, fajitas, roasted veggies, and even soups taste the way you expect them to.

It’s also more cost-effective. Buying spices once and mixing them yourself is far cheaper than purchasing individual seasoning packets again and again—especially when this recipe lasts well over a year.

And finally, storage matters. This blend keeps beautifully. When mixed and stored properly, it doesn’t clump, lose flavor, or turn stale. It’s truly a “make it once and forget about it” kind of staple—until you realize the jar is almost empty and it’s time to make another batch.

This is my favorite taco seasoning—hands down!

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Taco Seasoning

Prep Time 5 mins

Ingredients

  • 2 - 2.5oz jars of chili powder (roughly 24 TBS)
  • 1 1/2 - 2.5oz jars of cumin (roughly 18 TBS)
  • 6 TBS paprika (you can use smoked if you like that taste)
  • 3 TBS crushed red pepper flakes
  • 6 TBS salt
  • 3 TBS onion powder
  • 3 TBS garlic powder or scape powder
  • 3 TBS dried oregano
  • 3 TBS black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1
    Mix it all together in a large bowl or quart jar and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. (Which is up to what amount of storage you have available. I keep mine is a cupboard that does get warm and I haven't had any problems.)
  2. 2
    You can add little oxygen wicking packets to wick away any sort of moisture, vacuum seal your jar or just keep it tightly sealed. I’ve never had a clumping problem and it rarely leaves my stove side cupboard.
  3. 3
    To use, add 2-3 TBS to your browning meat or roasting vegetables and enjoy!

Notes

If you like a thicker taco sauce, you can add in 6 TBS cornstarch to the whole mix. You may need to add a 1/4 cup of water while cooking, but that’s really up to preference.